United News of Bangladesh

Fundamental reforms required for a fair election and justice for political killings will not be compromised, said Sarjis Alam, chief organizer of the National Citizen Party (NCP) for the northern region, on Monday. “Systemic reforms of a country are not possible in two or four years. But the basic reforms needed for transparent elections before the upcoming election will not be compromised,” he said. Sarjis stressed that those who shed blood to establish a new Bangladesh must get justice. “We will not compromise on the trial of those murderers. There will be no concession regarding the July Charter either,” he added. He accused the Awami League of exploiting the youth. “We have seen Awami League using the young generation in drug syndicates, extortion, and attacking innocent people,” Sarjis said. NCP among 147 new parties seek EC registration as deadline expires He declared that apart from Awami League and its affiliated organisations, no one else is the NCP's rival. “We consider others as partners and want to compete for public service. But if anyone is involved in similar conspiracies as before, we will resist them,” Sarjis warned. He further said, “The people's expectations after the mass uprising are yet to be fulfilled. That’s why NCP had to emerge as a political party.” Sarjis made these remarks while addressing the coordination meeting of the district unit of Jatiya Juboshakti at the Panchagarh Chamber Convention Hall on Monday evening. Consensus Commission biased towards particular party, allege NCP, Nur NCP leaders, including Jatiya Juboshakti convener Advocate Tarikul Islam, joint convener Engineer Md Nesar Uddin, and NCP’s Tanvirul Bari Noyon, along with party leaders from five upazilas of the district, also spoke at the event. Later, Sarjis and Advocate Tarikul Islam held an open discussion and gave directions to the party leaders.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s decision to skip the first day of talks with the National Consensus Commission (NCC) was a ‘symbolic protest’against the interim government, said party Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher on Wednesday. Speaking to reporters after joining the second day’s discussion at the Foreign Service Academy, Taher clarified that the boycott was a reaction to certain actions taken by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus during his recent London trip. “We raised objections to and issued a statement regarding his London visit. Our highest executive council approved this position,” he said. He went on to say, “The chief adviser went to London to receive an award and retrieve laundered money, which we welcomed. He also met BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, which we also appreciated. However, he later issued a joint statement with only one party, which surprised and embarrassed us.” Taher emphasised that issuing a joint statement with a representative of a single party without consulting others was unprecedented and inappropriate for someone in Yunus's position. “There’s no precedent for a chief adviser issuing a joint statement with the representative of just one political party. It caused discomfort to all other parties, including ours,” he said. Road accidents claim 312 lives in 12 days during Eid holidays: RSF Jamaat’s discomfort also stemmed from Yunus’ pre-announcement of an election date during a televised speech, which, Taher argued, left no room for adjustments based on future dialogue. “If the chief adviser had returned to the country and reconsidered the matter through consultations, that would have been acceptable. But he did not,” he added. Taher accused Yunus of compromising his neutrality by aligning too closely with one party, warning that such moves could hinder progress in the NCC’s reform agenda. “If things continue this way, the commission may yield little impact — like a mountain giving birth to a mouse,” he said. Despite this, Taher said, top officials of the interim government, including Yunus himself, reached out to Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, assuring the party of a neutral and transparent approach going forward. This led to Jamaat’s participation in the second day's of talks. Taher also addressed recent comments from the Home Affairs Adviser, who claimed a level playing field had already been established. “It appears the adviser doesn’t understand what a level playing field means,” he said, questioning how someone unable to unlock a building in a month could guarantee nationwide law and order during elections. Regarding women’s reserved seats, Taher said Jamaat has no objections as long as they are allocated proportionately. On the proposed formation of a National Constitutional Council (NCC), he confirmed Jamaat’s support, recommending the exclusion of the president and chief justice to avoid future conflicts of interest. "Jamaat also suggested keeping military leaders outside the council structure." Taher was accompanied by Assistant Secretaries General Rafiqul Islam Khan and Hamidur Rahman Azad during the briefing.

A three-member delegation representing international human rights organizations met with Jamaat-e-Islami at the party's central office in the capital on Monday. The delegation comprised Nicolo Figa Talamanca, Secretary General of the international human rights NGO 'No Peace Without Justice', Pascal Tarlan, International Lawyer and Accountability Expert, and Abbas Faiz, International Human Rights Law Expert and former Director of Amnesty International. Jamaat wants local govt elections too under caretaker govt: Taher The meeting was attended by Jamaat's Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr. Syed Abdullah Md. Taher, Central Executive Council member and Secretary of the Central Media and Publicity Department Advocate Matiur Rahman Akand, and Jamaat-e-Islami Europe spokesperson Barrister Abu Bakar Molla. At the meeting, the delegation was informed about Jamaat's activities in the overall political situation in Bangladesh. After the meeting, the delegation made a courtesy call on Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman.

Jamaat-e-Islami has expressed concerns that the neutrality of the interim government has been compromised by the joint press conference and statement following the chief adviser’s meeting with 'a political party' in London. The party alleged that the chief adviser’s meeting with 'a political leader', meaning Tarique Rahman, in London during his UK visit, and the joint press briefing and statement, undermines Bangladesh’s political culture and suggests favouritism toward a particular party. Jamaat contends that such actions threaten the perceived impartiality of the government. CA-Tarique meeting causes ‘heartburn’ among some political parties: Rizvi These remarks were made during a Jamaat executive council meeting at the party’s central office in Dhaka on Saturday, chaired by its Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman. According to the statement, on June 13, the chief adviser’s meeting with BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman in London was considered routine by Jamaat. It also mentioned that the interim government’s chief adviser has previously held both separate and joint meetings with various political entities. It further said that in his address to the nation on June 6, the chief adviser announced the roadmap for the national elections in the first half of April 2026. The party believes it was appropriate for him to engage with multiple political parties after his London meeting with Tarique Rahman and to share his perspectives. Prof Yunus-Tarique talks a 'game-over' moment for conspirators: Shafiqul Alam The party criticised the joint press conference, stating that it was morally inappropriate for the head of the government to publicly align with a single party. Jamaat expressed concern that such actions have fuelled doubts among the public regarding the fairness and transparency of the upcoming elections. Jamaat urged the interim government to ensure a level playing field for free, fair, and credible elections and called for decisive measures to uphold justice and reform. Prof Yunus, Tarique agree on pre-Ramadan election if preparations complete   In addition, the executive council of Jamaat called on the government to clarify the role of the chief adviser, emphasising the need to dispel doubts about the government’s impartiality and to foster confidence in the electoral process.

Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) General Secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince on Thursday termed the proposed April timeline for the national election as “unnecessary delay,” and reiterated his party’s demand, shared by other democratic forces, to hold the polls within December. “Any delay in the election may allow regressive forces to re-emerge,” he said while addressing a meet the press event at the Khulna Press Club. Prince clarified that CPB has no disagreement over the formation of relevant institutions or judicial matters concerning the polls. Rizvi urges govt to act on dengue surge, Covid variant threat "All necessary institutional steps must be taken to ensure a free and credible election, and judicial procedures must be made visible. We firmly believe that it is possible to conclude the election by December if these are done in time," he added. He warned that pushing back the election might help hegemonic powers implement their agendas, further delaying the electoral process. Commenting on the upcoming meeting between BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman and the chief adviser Yunus in London, the CPB leader noted, “Now the ball is in the government’s court.” On the issue of banning the Awami League, this CPB leader said that they do not support banning any political party through executive orders. “However, the Awami League has shown no remorse for the massacres it has committed.” He added that the party (AL) has lost the moral right to speak in the country’s political arena. “If elections are not held swiftly, regressive forces will get the opportunity to rise again,” he cautioned. Meanwhile, the CPB leader announced a Dhaka–Chattogram road march scheduled for June 27 and 28, protesting the government's reported decision to hand over the management of corridor projects and Chattogram port terminals to foreign companies.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s central Nayeb-e-Ameer Prof Mujibur Rahman on Tuesday said students will no longer allow the repeat of past events, which is why his party is now demanding justice first, followed by reforms and then elections. Speaking at a rally organised by Jamaat’s Bagatipara upazila unit in Natore, he said, “In the past, oppressive regimes claimed, ‘it is my vote, I will give it to whoever I want.’ But in reality, they acted as if, ‘I will not cast mine only, will cast yours, too.’ People and students no longer want such elections. They won’t let it happen again. That’s why we are saying, justice first, then reforms and then elections.” During previous governments, he said, people witnessed how the Awami League-led government made a mockery of democracy in the name of elections. The Jamaat leader said MPs were elected without a vote in 2014 and in 2018, voting was completed the night before the election day while in the 2024 elections, the general public didn’t even show up at polling stations. Mujibur said voters were not needed, in some cases, candidates’ relatives cast votes on behalf of others. “Not only that, in the 2024 elections, candidates were hard to find. They (Awami League) staged the election using dummy candidates.” Nation does not want another ‘questionable election’: Jamaat Ameer Prof Mujibur also said Jamaat-e-Islami’s leadership must continue their work with greater dedication and sacrifice for the welfare of religion and the country. He affirmed the party’s commitment to fighting for fair elections. Referring to last year’s student protest, he said in the 2024 movement, they heard students chanting ‘We want justice.’ Similarly, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, are working to establish justice, he added. Nayeb-e-Ameer Mujibur further said, “Over the past 54 years, from 1971 to 2024, we have seen ideologies like nationalism, socialism and capitalism. None of these brought peace. We believe that only the laws of the Quran can ensure peace in both this life and the hereafter.” The event was also addressed by Jamaat’s Natore district Nayeb-e-Ameer Prof Md Yunus Ali, District Secretary Prof Md Sadequl Rahman, Assistant Secretary Md Atiqul Islam Russel and the party’s nominated candidate for Natore-1 (Lalpur–Bagatipara) constituency Maulana Md Abul Kalam Azad.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday said the nation does not want another ‘questionable election’ and stressed that a credible national election would only be possible if justice, reforms, the July Charter and July Declaration are ensured along with a level- playing field. “The nation does not want another ‘questionable’ election. If justice, reforms, the July Charter and Declaration, and an equal electoral field are ensured, then an election following the roadmap will be possible,” he said after offering Eid prayers at his native village in Tulapur Panchgaon Eidgah under Bhatera union of Kulaura upazila in Moulvibazar district. He mentioned that people were denied the opportunity to vote in the last three elections, and this time, the youth and new voters “must be allowed to exercise their voting rights.” Dr Shafiqur also said if the chief adviser seeks cooperation, his party will respond positively. He, however, emphasised that resolving the ongoing political crisis is crucial for holding a free and fair election. Fakhrul finds December suitable for election, not April Earlier, delivering an Eid message, the Jamaat chief said, “Eid-ul-Azha is a symbol of sacrifice and a test of seeking Allah’s pleasure. On this sacred day, let us pledge to unite against injustice, oppression and corruption.” He added that the nation must overcome the current crisis by standing united for truth, justice, and Islamic values. After the prayers, he exchanged Eid greetings with local residents.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Tuesday proposed that both national and local government elections be held under a non-partisan caretaker government. “Our proposal is that both national and local elections must take place under a caretaker government,” Jamaat’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher told reporters during the lunch break of the second round of talks with the National Consensus Commission. Jamaat-e-Islami also proposed amending Article 70 of the Constitution to allow MPs to vote beyond their respective party lines except on issues related to finance bill, vote of no confidence and constitutional amendment. But BNP, in its talks with the Commission, supported allowing MPs to vote beyond the party lines except the four matters that include the three matters and also issues of national importance. When his attention was drawn on Jamaat's stance regarding Article 70, Taher said, “We’ve shared our views on the three proposed exceptions regarding Article 70.” Elections before reforms may not meet people's expectations: Jamaat Ameer The second day of the second round of talks began at 11am with Commission Chairman Prof Ali Riaz in the chair. Nearly 30 parties, including BNP, Jamaat, and the National Citizen Party (NCP), joined Tuesday’s session. On Monday, Chief Adviser and Commission Chairman Prof Muhammad Yunus opened the second phase of the dialogue. The Consensus Commission started its first round of talks with political parties on March 20 last to forge a national consensus on state reform initiatives undertaken by the interim government. The Commission held talks with 33 parties and alliances including BNP, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and National Citizen Party (NCP) before concluding the first round of dialogues on May 19 last. Jamaat holds meeting with CA at Jamuna as tensions cool down Formed on February 15, 2025, under the leadership of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, the Commission was tasked with shaping a unified national stance on critical reforms.

Abdul Hannan Masud, the senior joint chief coordinator of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP), has admitted his mistake in connection with an incident involving the release of three individuals detained by Dhanmondi Police Station for alleged disorderly conduct. The party revealed this in a statement issued by its joint office secretary Saleh Uddin Sifat. According to the statement, the NCP served a show-cause notice to Hannan on May 21, asking him to explain his actions.  In response, Hannan submitted both a written and verbal explanation to the party’s Political Council within three working days. In his reply, Hannan acknowledged that his actions in Dhanmondi were wrong and affirmed his firm commitment not to repeat such mistakes in the future.  Show-cause notice issued to NCP’s Hannan for releasing 3 from police custody The NCP further said since there was no evidence of Hannan’s involvement in the activities of the detained individuals, the Political Council decided to withdraw the show-cause notice issued against him. Earlier, the show-cause notice issued to Hannan stated that on May 20, three individuals were detained by police for allegedly causing disorder in a residential area under Dhanmondi Police Station, identifying themselves as “coordinators.”  One of the three was Saiful Islam Rabbi, the Mohammadpur Thana convener of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, who had already been relieved of his duties by the NCP central committee for ethical misconduct. Despite this, Hannan went to the police station and secured the release of the three by signing a bond on their behalf.  Hannan injured as NCP event in Hatiya comes under attack; finger points at BNP Following the incident, the party instructed Hannan to provide a written explanation within three days to the head of the NCP's disciplinary committee, clarifying why organisational action should not be taken against him.    

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke has met National Citizen Party (NCP) leaders Nahid Islam and Tasnim Jara, and discussed political issues, reiterating its support for Bangladesh’s democratic and inclusive future. The British High Commission in Dhaka on Wednesday said the meeting was part of a series of discussions with political parties.  NCP delegation to meet Prof Yunus following BNP-Jamaat meetings The meeting centred around the UK’s continued support to Bangladesh and pathway towards a ‘democratic, inclusive and prosperous’ future, said the High Commission.